Opening Overview
Queen's Gambit Accepted
51 linesAbout This Opening
Queen's Gambit Accepted is a gambit-style opening that prioritizes initiative, piece activity, and practical complications.
The main practical question is whether the side offering material can keep the initiative long enough to justify the concession. Expect open lines, active pieces, and tactical moments around the king and center.
For training, focus on the standard responses, the point where the gambit can be accepted or declined, and the central counterplay that prevents the attack from becoming one-sided.
Key ideas
- Typical theme: activity and initiative over immediate material balance.
- Watch for early tactical shots and forcing move orders.
- Best for players who want sharp, practical positions.
- Study both acceptance and refusal plans so you know the main branches.
Choose a variation
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Old Variation, Christensen Gambit
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e3 e5 4. Bxc4 exd4 5. Qb3 Qe7 6. Nf3
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Old Variation, Korchnoi Gambit
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e3 e5 4. Bxc4 exd4 5. Qb3 Qe7 6. Kf1
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Old Variation, Novikov Gambit
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e3 e5 4. Bxc4 exd4 5. Qb3 Qe7 6. Nd2
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Saduleto Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Schwartz Defense
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 f5
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Alekhine Defense, Borisenko-Furman Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 a6 4. e4
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Godes Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nd7
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Gunsberg Defense
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 c5
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Normal Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Rosenthal Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 e6
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Slav Gambit
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 b5
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Alekhine Defense
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 a6